Age and sex features of organism non-specific resistance of Ukrainian riding horse

Abstract

It is established that the indices of non-specific resistance of Ukrainian Riding Horse depend on age and sex. The lowest indices of serum bactericidal activity, serum lysozyme activity, the content of γ-globulins were found in 6-month-old foals, for which, however, the phagocytosis completeness indices were concurrent with those of adult individuals of the corresponding sex. Hence, the foals are least protected in terms of humoral-type non-specific resistance. Indicators of bactericidal and lysozyme activity of serum, phagocytosis completeness index were higher for stallions. Indicators of geldings were higher than those for mares, but lower than those for entires. The higher total protein content is also characteristic for stallions; at the age of 6, 9, 12 - the content of albumins; for mares at the age of 1.5, 2, 3, 12 - the content of γ-globulins was higher, the indicators of geldings in terms of albumin/globulin ratio were closer to those of mares of the corresponding age. Consequently, for Ukrainian Riding Horse, the indicators of organism non-specific resistance are higher for stallions and vary with age. These differences should be taken into account when working with this breed.

Keywords

• serum bactericidal activity
• serum lysozyme activity
• phagocytosis completeness index
• total protein and its fractions